If you’re a South African student looking to build a career in engineering, construction or project management, Ruwacon has an offer that could change the direction of your studies. The Ruwacon Bursary Programme for 2026 gives students financial aid while also letting them learn on real construction sites. The aim is to hand out help to anyone who is heading toward a degree in civil engineering, construction management or a related field and who wants a real taste of how big projects come together.
Ruwacon is one of South Africa’s biggest construction companies. Over the years the firm has built roads, bridges, waterworks and many other public buildings. By backing students, Ruwacon hopes to bring fresh ideas into the industry. The company wants to support young people who will become the next wave of engineers, project leads and field workers.
Fields covered by the bursary
The scholarship is open to students studying at a recognised university who are pursuing these courses:
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Project Management
- Quantity Surveying
- Surveying
These are the main academic areas that the construction field relies on. If your major is one of the above, you qualify to apply.
What the bursary provides
The Ruwacon Bursary is not just money. The support package covers the following key parts:
- Tuition – helps pay for the bills that come with your studies.
- Books and supplies – covers the costs of textbooks, software and other learning tools.
- On‑site experience – you will get a chance to visit actual construction sites, see how plans are turned into concrete work, and learn about safety procedures.
- Mentorship – experienced Ruwacon employees guide you through daily operations and teach you about the tendering process.
- Career pathways – you’ll meet senior managers and learn what it takes to become a project lead or an engineer after you finish school.
Everyone who comes through the bursary gets a chance to see how the projects you study in theory are carried out in practice. The experience is worth more than a few classes of textbook knowledge.
Who is eligible?
The bursary is limited to people who meet these simple requirements:
- You hold South African citizenship.
- You are enrolled in one of the listed degree programmes.
- You will be in your 2nd year, 3rd year or a postgraduate program in the 2026 academic year.
- You study at a university that is recognised and accredited in South Africa.
If you meet the criteria, move to the next part.
Proof you need
When you fill out the application, you must attach clear copies of the following papers. Missing any of them will stop your application from being considered:
- Certified copy of your ID document.
- Transcript showing your academic record from the beginning of your studies until now.
- Motivation letter – 150–250 words that explain why you are the best fit for this bursary.
- Your CV that lists your education and any job or field experience you have had.
The motivation letter is your chance to show Ruwacon why you want the bursary and what you hope to learn.
How to apply
All applications must be sent online through the Ruwacon website. When you visit the site, look for the link that says:
Click here to apply for the Ruwacon Bursary 2026
The link will take you to the form where you can upload all the documents listed above. Make sure everything is in the correct format before you hit submit.
Note – All documents should be in a format that can be opened by standard office software or PDF. If you have any trouble, reach out to the Ruwacon help desk for guidance.
Key dates
- Closing date: 14 November 2025.
Applications received after this date will not be taken into account. If you can finish early, that is a good idea, but there is no penalty for submitting on the exact due date.
Why you might want to apply
Getting the Ruwacon Bursary means:
- Money to help pay for your courses.
- Hands‑on exposure to real projects.
- Guidance from people who already work in the industry.
- A clear route into jobs like project management, surveying or engineering after you finish school.
It’s an opportunity that offers help in a few different ways, and it is open only to a handful of students each year. If you are serious about a career in building, roads, bridges or any type of civil works, consider putting your name in the pot. Good luck!